Airbnb guests no longer have to wash the dishes or strip the beds at checkout

Live updates

1. 58m ago

   Airbnb Bans Mandatory Checkout Chores Such as Dishes and Beds

   Airbnb guests will no longer be required to complete onerous checkout chores such as washing dishes, stripping beds, starting laundry, or taking out the trash under a new company policy taking effect November 20. The updated rules restrict hosts to reasonable checkout requests. While guests can still be asked to gather used towels, sort trash and recycling, or leave dishes in the sink, hosts generally can no longer mandate tasks typically handled by professional cleaners. The platform will use artificial intelligence to flag unreasonable checkout requirements.

   Why it matters

   The short-term rental platform is addressing long-running consumer complaints about paying cleaning fees while simultaneously facing extensive departure checklists. This policy shift establishes clear boundaries on what property owners can demand from travelers at the end of their stays. It introduces friction between the company and property owners, some of whom express frustration and concern over cleanliness standards and potential cost increases.

   What is confirmed

   • Airbnb guests will no longer be required to wash dishes or strip beds at checkout starting November 20.
   • The new policy also bans hosts from requiring guests to start a load of laundry or take out the trash.
   • Airbnb will use artificial intelligence to flag unreasonable checkout requests.
   • Guests can still be asked to leave dishes in the sink, gather used towels, and sort trash and recycling.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Some hosts worry the new policy may lead to increased costs for guests.
   • Some hosts have shared concerns regarding property cleanliness under the updated guidelines.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation of the AI enforcement tool on November 20
   • Host compliance rates and platform updates regarding fee structures
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. USA Today — No more doing dishes or laundry. Airbnb eases cleaning load for guests
   2. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Airbnb's new rules limit cleaning chores for guests
   3. WIRED — Airbnb Hosts Are Furious They Can No Longer Make Guests Do Their Chores
   4. BBC — Airbnb hosts can no longer make guests strip beds and wash dishes under new rules
   5. The New York Times — Airbnb Says Guests Shouldn’t Have to Do the Dishes Anymore
   6. AP News — Airbnb guests no longer have to wash the dishes or strip the beds at checkout
   7. CNET — Soon You Won’t Have to Do Dishes at an Airbnb (Unless You Really Want To)
   8. newscentermaine.com — Airbnb's new guest cleaning rules frustrate some Maine hosts
   9. Yahoo — Airbnb is cracking down on checkout chores. Here’s what hosts can no longer ask you to do.
   10. The Washington Post — Airbnb guests will no longer have to wash dishes or strip the beds
   11. CBS News — Airbnb host says new rules may lead to increased costs for guests: "An unintended consequence"
   12. WBOC TV — Airbnb’s new policy sends ripples through short-term rentals in Ocean City
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